In a unique combination of art, science and philosophy, the Arts and Nature Social Club (ANSC) in cooperation with the Galeria Plan B an evening with the artist Ran Zhang. Amidst the impressive gallery space, an in-depth discussion took place on the intersections between scientific discovery and artistic expression. The title of the Inspiration Salon: "Sources of Mutual Inspiration or a Dichotomy?".
In addition to Zhang, Professor Dr. Christian Hackenberger, Leibniz-Humboldt Professor for Chemical Biology with a focus on modification and transport of biomolecules and Dr. Martin Schwemmle, Founder & CEO of The Future Company, their views on how art and science together can open new perspectives on the world. Moderated by Sorana Serban-Chiorean, Associate Director Galeria Plan B and Jörg Geier, ANSC Program Chair.
The Arts and Nature Social Club serves as a platform for interdisciplinary discussions, connecting art, science, and sustainability. The collaboration with Galeria Plan B, a renowned contemporary art gallery, underscores the relevance of such dialogues in today's world.
Ran Zhang: From Painting to Scientific Exploration
Ran Zhang, born in 1981 in Tianjin, China, lives and works in Rotterdam and Berlin. Her artistic career began with traditional painting, but her curiosity led her beyond the visible world. A pivotal moment was the purchase of a microscope, which opened up a new, invisible reality to her. This discovery fundamentally changed her artistic practice: instead of focusing solely on classical techniques, she began exploring scientific imagery and molecular structures.
Since 2018 she has been intensively researching the phenomenon of vitreous opacities (Eye Floaters), which she observes through a microscope and interprets artistically. In her current exhibition Dark Romance Zhang uses scientific representations—such as proteins or molecules—to question the supposed immutability of scientific knowledge. Her works combine biology, narrative, and fiction, highlighting that scientific visualizations, while based on data, are ultimately human interpretations that evolve over time.
Source & Copyright by Galeria Plan B & ANSC
The interface between science and art: learning from each other
A central theme of the discussion was the mutual inspiration between science and art. Professor Hackenberger emphasized that science—like art—requires creativity. His research in the field of molecular pharmacology involves the construction of molecular structures, which he compared to the work of an architect. New scientific discoveries arise not only through logical processes, but also through visionary thinking and individual intuition.
Dr. Schwemmle, who focuses on innovations in business and research, also spoke about how artistic thinking—especially the acceptance of uncertainty—can lead to groundbreaking scientific and entrepreneurial discoveries. He reported on an art workshop with clay in which an artist encouraged participants to "think with their hands" instead of following fixed instructions. This idea of Emergence – the spontaneous emergence of new forms – reflects the scientific working method in which unplanned results often provide the most significant breakthroughs.
Source & Copyright by Galeria Plan B & ANSC
The role of culture and perception in creativity
The panel also discussed how cultural backgrounds influence perspectives on science and art. Zhang, who was born in China and has lived in Europe for many years, reflected on the differences between Eastern and Western thought. While Chinese philosophy often favors a holistic, indirect approach to the world, the Western approach is usually direct and goal-oriented. Her art combines both perspectives and consciously allows contradictions to coexist. Thus, she never considers her artistic path to be a complete state.
Professor Hackenberger added that scientific knowledge is not static, but constantly evolving. Just as artistic styles and techniques have evolved over the centuries, scientific models are always only approximations of a changing reality. In this context, Dr. Schwemmle emphasized the different thought processes involved in developing radical and incremental innovation.
Ran Zhang Dark Romance at Galeria Plan B - Exhibition View
Ethics, responsibility and the future of interdisciplinary collaboration
A particularly thoughtful moment arose when the conversation turned to the ethical dimensions of art and science. A member of the audience questioned the moral responsibility of science: While molecular research can potentially produce life-saving medicines, it also carries the risk of misuse, for example, in the development of chemical weapons.
Zhang emphasized that there should be no forbidden topics in art, as it is a neutral medium for discourse and reflection. Rather than providing ready-made answers, art enables society to grapple with difficult questions. Dr. Schwemmle added that future competencies in business and research should increasingly incorporate artistic perspectives, as they promote critical thinking, resilience, and the ability to imagine alternative futures—essential skills in a rapidly changing world.
A plea for more cooperation
At the conclusion of the discussion, it became clear: art and science are not opposites, but two sides of the same coin. Zhang's development – from classical painting to molecular visualizations – demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary thinking. Scientists, too, can find it enriching to use artistic methods, whether in the representation of complex data or in developing new approaches to solutions. Overall, the panel highlighted the common qualities of curiosity, exploration, and the pursuit of understanding that underpin both artistic and scientific endeavors.
Während Galeria Plan B continues to present innovative art projects and the Arts and Nature Social Club By organizing new conversations, this event remains a striking example of how the most exciting insights often arise at the intersection of seemingly separate disciplines. Whether through the microscope or the paintbrush, curiosity remains the driving force behind discovery and innovation.
This event was made possible through the collaboration of the Arts and Nature Social Club and Galeria Plan B. Special thanks go to Ran Zhang, Professor Dr. Christian Hackenberger, Dr. Martin Schwemmle, and all participants for this inspiring discussion.
